In April 2027, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled to start supplying the Indian Air Force (IAF) with new Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. As part of India’s drive to become self-sufficient in defense manufacturing, a contract was signed on December 12, 2024, for the purchase of 12 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft at a total cost of ₹13,500 crore (about $1.6 billion).
HAL is reactivating its Su-30MKI production line at its Nashik factory, which has a history of producing a variety of aircraft, including MiG derivatives and earlier Sukhoi models, in order to fulfill this contract. The majority of the structural components are being supplied by local suppliers, while certain materials will be imported from Russia as part of the preparations that have already begun.
At a cost of about ₹65,000 crores, HAL will also upgrade the IAF’s Su-30s.
Only a few spare parts, forgings, and castings are anticipated to be imported; the engines will be constructed in Koraput from the raw material stage with technology transfer from Russia. Up to 63% of the engines will be indigenous by the time the deliveries are finished. 30 AL-31FP engines will be supplied annually by HAL from
These new aircraft are meant to supplement the IAF’s present fleet of about 260 Sukhoi-30s, which has been lost to accidents, and to improve the force’s operational capabilities.
Along with the delivery of the new aircraft, HAL is also starting a massive upgrading program for its current fleet of Sukhoi-30s, which is expected to cost about ₹65,000 crore. Advanced features including the domestic Uttam AESA radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and new weapons capabilities will all be part of this update.
In order to ensure that the IAF’s Sukhoi fleet remains competitive against contemporary threats for many years to come, the enhancements are intended to greatly increase the fleet’s operational lifespan and combat effectiveness.
